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Clementi confirmed as BBC chairman

January 10, 2017

Sir David Clementi has been confirmed as the next BBC chairman.  The former Bank of England deputy governor wrote the 2016 report that suggested scrapping the BBC Trust and having the BBC run by a board made up of senior staff and independent members.

Prime Minister Theresa May confirmed the appointment of Clementi, who will now lead the BBC’s new unitary board that will replace the BBC Trust on April 1st.

Clementi will now appear before the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee for pre-appointment scrutiny on January 17 2017.

“I am confident that Sir David will provide the strong leadership necessary for the BBC to remain the world’s best broadcaster,” said culture secretary Karen Bradley. “Sir David will bring a wealth of experience to the role and was the strongest candidate in an extremely competitive and high-calibre field. He has extensive experience as a chairman in both the commercial and not-for-profit sector, and has a strong regulatory and business background. I am confident that under his direction, the nation’s broadcaster will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Bradley, said the new BBC Royal Charter would secure the future of the Corporation, strengthen it and give it an unprecedented degree of independence, making it more transparent, accountable and representative.

Clementi described the BBC as “a world class broadcaster and one of the UK’s most beloved and cherished institutions”, adding that it would be “a great honour” to join the BBC at an important time in the organisation’s history.
Under the terms of the BBC Royal Charter, appointment of the BBC Chair and members is made by HM The Queen on recommendation from Ministers (the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, through the Prime Minister).

Clementi, who turns 68 next month, is also chair of Prudential and Virgin Money.

Tony Hall, Director-General of the BBC, said: “I am delighted that Sir David Clementi has been announced as the preferred candidate. I am really looking forward to working with him.”

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